The House with a Clock in its Walls (2018) [Movie Review]


Dir: Eli Roth
Starring: Jack Black, Cate Blanchett
Dur: 1 hr 53 mins
Genre: Adventure
Rating: 6/10

With a trailer that promises a breathlessly exciting and thrilling adventure of magic, mystery and drama, the film set itself a high standard. Surprisingly, it managed to keep up to most of its promises. The film was thoroughly entertaining, both in terms of language and adventure. It wasted no time is establishing the setting or on developing the characters or the story line. It jumped straight into the thick of action—something I deeply appreciated and immensely enjoyed. However, what the film gained in skillful direction and animation it lost on a threadbare plot.

A young boy, Lewis, who has tragically lost his parents is sent to live with his estranged uncle (question bells are already ringing in my head. Are they in yours too?) Slowly, he discovers that his uncle is a warlock and that the house he is living in is magically animated. In his attempt to live a ‘normal’ life (a word that is tastefully played with throughout) he goes to school and is befriended by a suave boy who ends up becoming the class leader. Sadly, their friendship grows strained and in his attempt to win back his friend, Lewis uses magic to accidentally raise a dead man. From thereon, the plot begins to get twisted but in a fun way. Owen, who plays the adorable Lewis, is fantastic. His expressions and boyish innocence contribute to the success of the drama. Jack and Cate are impeccable and funny in rather unusual ways. Frankly, between the three of them, the film really plays out beautifully. Their chemistry is great on screen, coupled with the eye-catching animation, the film is a visual treat.

My suggestion: don’t mind the mindless scheme. Go with the flow of the film. It is unlikely to disappoint. Kids and young teens are sure to be enthused. The film is appealing at a level familiar to them. It deals with typical teenage wishes, fancies and dreams. There are a number of value nuggets scattered throughout the film. It might take a little prodding and initiating to help young people pick them up. In an educative setting, the film has the potential to sparkle and enlighten young and curious minds.  

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQGA42-U0Ro

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